Tempted Heir (The Heirs 7)

Her bottom lip quivers as she whispers, “Thank you for making all my dreams come true.”

“Still one to go,” I chuckle.

DASH

I turn to the full-length mirror, and then I struggle to keep the tears back, so I don’t ruin my makeup.

I’m wearing an off-the-shoulder lace trumpet gown with full-length, illusion sleeves. I’ve never felt more like a woman than I do at this moment.

And I’m about to marry the man of my dreams.

Mom and Miss Sebastian help me put on the veil without messing up my hair that I had curled with blue flowers pinned into the strands.

When I’m ready, Aunt Della lets out a sputter, and she quickly covers her mouth. “You look gorgeous, Dash.”

My chin begins to quiver, and I struggle to rein in the tears. “Don’t make me cry.”

Mom takes hold of my hand, and when I look at her, it’s next to impossible to keep from crying.

“Just enjoy today. Okay?”

I nod quickly as I take deep breaths.

When there’s a knock at the door, my stomach begins to spin with nerves. Dad peeks inside, and then a look of awe washes over his face as he steps into the room. “Wow.” He covers his mouth with his hand as he stares at me. “Just… wow.”

I let out a chuckle. “Thanks, Daddy.”

“Is it time?” Aunt Della asks.

“Yeah, you better go take your seats.”

Danny winks at me. “See you at the alter.”

When it’s just Dad and me, he takes hold of my hand. “God, I can’t believe I have to give you away.”

“You’re not,” I whisper. “I’ll always need my dad.”

Dad presses his lips together, and closing his eyes, he takes a moment to compose himself. When he opens his eyes again, my sight blurs, and I breathe faster.

“Are you ready?” he asks, his voice hoarse.

I can only nod as I take my father’s arm, and we leave the suite.

When I hear the piano play the opening chords to Pachelbel Canon in D, my throat strains, and I’m unable to keep the tears from falling.

God, there goes the makeup.

We reach the beginning of the aisle, and I take in all the families from CRC Holdings and Indie Ink who are here to celebrate our special day with us, then my eyes lock on Christopher’s. I watch as his lips part. He takes a step back as emotion tightens his features.

I can’t look at any of the guests as I walk toward him. My Mr. Right.

Christopher wipes a tear away, and he takes a deep breath as I reach him. Turning to Dad, he lifts my veil. He leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek. “Be happy, sweetheart.”

I nod and wait as Christopher and Dad hug. “Take care of my baby girl.”

“I will… Dad.” Christopher’s words make a broad smile spread over Dad’s face.

Christopher’s gaze returns to me, and he shakes his head. “God, you look breathtaking.”

I smile through the tears, not able to find my voice. I have no idea how I’m going to get through my vows without becoming a blubbering mess.

Slipping my arm through Christopher’s, we turn forward and face Miss Sebastian, whom we asked to officiate the wedding.

“On behalf of the Hayes and the West family, I’d like to welcome everyone here today. My name’s Mamma G. Five minutes on the internet, and my bedazzled aaa…butt is good to go.”

I let out a chuckle and tighten my hold on Christopher’s arm.

“I was there when Dash was born, and Christopher was running around in diapers. Look at our babies now.” Miss Sebastian leans forward, then whispers, “Face each other. I know my face is gorgeous, but you’re marrying each other.”

Christopher begins to laugh as he turns to me, taking hold of my hands.

“Dearly beloved,” Miss Sebastian’s voice booms over the microphone.

Laughter explodes from me, and it has it echoing through the guests.

She clears her throat. “We are gathered here today to join our Christopher and our Dash in marriage. They also promised an open bar afterward.”

My tears are gone, and my cheeks start to hurt from all the smiling.

“Finally, and I do mean finally, Christopher and Dash realized what we knew all along. They are meant for each other. They had us all worried for a couple of years. But then, miracles do happen, and look at them now, ready to say their vows. Thank the mother of love.” Miss Sebastian squints at the paper in her hand. “Okay, it’s time for vows.”

My eyes lock with Christopher’s, and where I thought I’d be a sobbing mess, my voice is clear as I repeat after Miss Sebastian.

When our vows are said, Danny hands us our rings.

Christopher pushes the band onto my finger, saying, “I give you this ring as a reminder that we will always face this world together. We’re an unbreakable team. You’re my best friend, the love of my life, and my future. You’re mine, unconditionally, irrevocably, all-consumingly.”